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King Kohli Turns 37: The Man Who Rewrote Cricket’s Rulebook and Changed Indian Cricket Forever

Minakshi Srivastava By
Calender Nov 05, 2025
Sports 5 min read

King Kohli Turns 37: The Man Who Rewrote Cricket’s Rulebook and Changed Indian Cricket Forever

On November 5, 1988, India welcomed a boy from West Delhi who would one day redefine the sport loved by billions. Thirty-seven years later, Virat Kohli stands not just as one of cricket’s greatest modern icons but as a symbol of passion, belief, and unyielding excellence.

From the dusty lanes of Delhi to the grandest stages of world cricket, Kohli’s journey is far more than a tale of numbers. It is a story of evolution—of a cricketer who changed the very fabric of Indian cricket, and in the process, transformed how the world viewed the game itself.

As he turns 37, Kohli is no longer the fiery youngster chasing records—he’s the master chasing meaning. The runs, centuries, and trophies are already there in abundance, but what drives him now is legacy: to prove that greatness doesn’t fade—it evolves.

virat kohli

From Delhi Prodigy to India’s Heartbeat

Born to lawyer Prem Kohli and homemaker Saroj Kohli, young Virat picked up the bat before most kids his age had learned to write in cursive. His father enrolled him in the West Delhi Cricket Academy under coach Rajkumar Sharma, who immediately recognized the spark that would one day ignite Indian cricket.

Even as a teenager, Kohli’s intensity set him apart. His performances in Delhi’s domestic circuits were fearless, and his hunger for runs unmatched. In 2008, at just 19, he captained India’s U-19 team to World Cup glory in Kuala Lumpur—his first taste of global success and a sign of what was to come.

That same year, he made his international debut. It wasn’t the most glamorous start, but for those who watched closely, there was something unmistakably different about the lad from Delhi. The hunger, the discipline, and the belief—traits that would later define an era—were already visible.

virat kohli

The Rise of the Chase Master

The turning point came when Kohli began mastering the art of the chase—transforming run-chasing from a pressure scenario into a personal playground. His ability to control innings with clinical precision, coupled with ice-cold temperament under pressure, earned him the title that now defines him: The Chase Master.

Across formats, Kohli’s record in run-chases remains peerless. In ODIs alone, he has scored 6,072 runs in 108 matches at an extraordinary average of 89.29, including 24 centuries in successful chases. These are not mere numbers—they are statements of intent.

He turned chasing into an art form, and in doing so, rewired India’s cricketing DNA. What used to be anxious hope during tough pursuits became confidence. With Kohli at the crease, India believed anything was possible.

Leadership and the Cultural Revolution of Indian Cricket

When Kohli succeeded MS Dhoni as captain, he didn’t just inherit a cricket team—he inherited an institution. What he built out of it was a new mindset.

Before Kohli, aggression in Indian cricket was often reactionary. Under him, it became proactive. His leadership redefined professionalism. Fitness was no longer an optional add-on—it was the foundation. The now-iconic Yo-Yo Test became more than a fitness assessment; it became a symbol of commitment to excellence.

Under his watch, India turned into a relentless, well-oiled unit that dominated world cricket. Kohli demanded intensity, precision, and accountability. And in return, he led from the front—by example and by sheer will.

During his 68-Test captaincy tenure, he won 40 matches, making him India’s most successful Test captain. Seven of those victories came in the unforgiving conditions of South Africa, England, and New Zealand (SENA)—a feat no Indian captain before him had managed.

He also led India to its first-ever Test series win in Australia in 2018–19, solidifying his status as one of the most successful leaders in India’s cricketing history.

A Titan in White: Test Legacy and Records

In 123 Test matches, Virat Kohli has scored 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties, with a career-best score of 254 against South Africa*.

Between 2016 and 2019, he hit peak form, amassing 4,208 runs in 43 Tests at an astonishing average of 66.79, featuring 16 centuries, 10 fifties, and seven double tons—the most by any captain in Test history.

Even after his eventual retirement from the format, Kohli’s legacy in Test cricket stands as a masterclass in resilience. He made red-ball cricket fashionable again in a T20-dominated world, and in the process, he turned India into an aggressive, result-oriented Test powerhouse.

Under his leadership, India held the No.1 Test ranking for 43 consecutive months (October 2016 to May 2020)—an era that symbolized sustained dominance.

The ODI Machine: Precision Personified

If Test cricket showcased Kohli’s temperament, ODI cricket revealed his mastery. His numbers in the 50-over format are nothing short of mythical.

In 305 ODIs, he has scored 14,255 runs at an average of 57.71, including 51 centuries and 75 fifties—making him the second-highest run-getter in ODI history and the player with the most centuries ever in ODIs.

He is also the fastest to every major ODI milestone—from 8,000 to 14,000 runs—reaching each landmark faster than any other cricketer in history.

During the 2023 ICC World Cup, Kohli reached yet another milestone by surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record and registering his 50th ODI century. His tally of 765 runs in 11 matches, averaging over 95, remains the highest-ever by any batter in a single World Cup edition. He was rightfully crowned Player of the Tournament, even though India narrowly missed the trophy.

With the 2011 World Cup and 2013 and 2025 ICC Champions Trophy titles in his cabinet, Kohli’s one-day résumé is arguably the greatest of all time.

The T20 Maestro: Fearless, Fiery, and Forever Consistent

In the shortest format, Kohli was India’s most reliable anchor for over a decade. Across 125 T20Is, he scored 4,188 runs at an average of 48.69 and a strike rate of 137, including a century and 38 fifties.

Once again, his record in chases is staggering—1,651 runs in 42 matches at an average of 78.61, with 16 half-centuries. From Mohali in 2016 to Melbourne in 2022, Kohli scripted some of the most memorable T20I knocks in cricket history.

In the 2024 T20 World Cup final, his match-winning 76 against South Africa earned him the Player of the Match award and the perfect farewell to T20Is. With 1,292 runs in 35 T20 World Cup matches, he remains the tournament’s all-time leading scorer, and the only player to win two T20 World Cup Player of the Tournament awards.

Few can forget his iconic 82 against Pakistan at the MCG in 2022*, where he turned a hopeless situation into a miracle chase—an innings now etched in cricket folklore.

Conquering ICC Events: A Giant of Global Stages

Across all ICC events — the ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup, and Champions Trophy — Kohli stands as the highest run-scorer, with 3,834 runs in 90 matches at an average of 61.33, including six centuries and 33 fifties.

He is the only cricketer to have three Player of the Tournament awards in ICC history. His performances in knockout matches — over 1,000 runs at an average above 50 — underline his unmatched temperament under pressure.

The IPL Icon: Red, Gold, and Relentless

No story about Virat Kohli is complete without the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Few cricketers embody loyalty like Kohli does with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Since the inaugural IPL season in 2008, he has stayed with the same franchise — a rare act of commitment in modern sport.

Since the tournament’s inception in 2008, Kohli has worn only one jersey—the red and gold of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Across 267 matches, he has amassed 8,661 runs at an average of 39.54, including eight centuries and 63 fifties—both all-time IPL records.

His best season came in 2016, when he scored 973 runs in 16 matches, averaging 81.40 and striking at 152+, a record that still stands. After years of near-misses, his loyalty was finally rewarded when RCB lifted their maiden IPL title in 2025—a fitting culmination of persistence and faith.

Kohli’s devotion to RCB transcends sport; it is a story of belief, loyalty, and unfinished dreams finally realized.

virat kohli

Five Iconic Knocks That Define Kohli’s Greatness

  • 82 vs Pakistan, Melbourne (2022 T20 World Cup)*

    A night that redefined clutch batting. With India struggling at 31/4, Kohli’s unbeaten 82, including two unforgettable sixes off Haris Rauf, turned the MCG into a theatre of miracles.

  • 183 vs Pakistan, Dhaka (2012 Asia Cup)

    Chasing 330, Kohli’s 183 off 148 balls dismantled Pakistan’s bowling attack. His last 50 came in just 22 balls, sealing India’s win with audacious ease.

  • 254 vs South Africa, Visakhapatnam (2019)*

    Kohli’s career-best Test score was a masterclass in control and aggression—33 fours, 2 sixes, and pure dominance over the Proteas.

  • 169 vs Australia, Melbourne (2014 Boxing Day Test)

    Facing Mitchell Johnson’s fire, Kohli responded with finesse and fury, scoring 169 in a high-pressure Test as India’s new captain.

  • 50th ODI century vs New Zealand, Mumbai (2023 World Cup Semifinal)

    The innings that saw him surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record. Kohli’s calm, calculated 117 anchored India’s victory and etched his name deeper into cricketing immortality.

Beyond the Numbers: The Man and the Mindset

Kohli’s transformation off the pitch is as remarkable as his cricketing evolution.

From the fiery youngster who once flipped a finger to an opposition crowd, he has matured into a composed leader, husband, and father who speaks of balance and mindfulness.

His marriage to actress Anushka Sharma has been under constant public glare, yet their partnership has stood as an example of mutual respect and grounded strength.

Beyond cricket, Kohli’s commitment to fitness revolutionized the way Indian athletes train. His Virat Kohli Foundation works to uplift underprivileged children and support emerging athletes, reflecting his belief that success is meaningful only when shared.

Still Hungry at 37: The Final Chapter Yet to Be Written

At an age where most cricketers fade into retirement, Kohli’s story continues to burn bright.

His recent ODI comeback against Australia in Sydney, where he scored an unbeaten 74 after two early ducks, was a timely reminder: the King still rules. His partnership with Rohit Sharma in that game rekindled India’s hopes for the next big dream—the 2027 World Cup.

While he has retired from Tests and T20Is, Kohli remains committed to the ODI format, preparing for domestic tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy to stay in rhythm. For him, the goal isn’t just another trophy—it’s to leave behind a legacy that endures beyond the boundaries.

As selectors deliberate his future, one thing is certain: Virat Kohli is not done yet.

As he gears up for upcoming ODI series against South Africa and New Zealand, one truth remains unchanged — every Kohli innings still carries that same fire, that same intent.

Ten Defining Records That Embody the Greatness of Virat Kohli

  • Most ODI Centuries – With 51 centuries, Virat Kohli stands atop the all-time ODI list, surpassing even the legendary Sachin Tendulkar to become the format’s most prolific century-maker.

  • Highest Average Among 10,000-Run Scorers – Among all batters who have crossed the 10,000-run milestone in ODIs, Kohli boasts the highest career average, underscoring his unmatched consistency and control over the 50-over game.

  • Most Double Centuries by an Indian – Kohli remains the only Indian batter to register seven double centuries in Test cricket, a testament to his stamina, focus, and hunger for big scores.

  • Most Runs in a Single IPL Season – His breathtaking tally of 973 runs in the 2016 IPL remains unchallenged, setting a record for the most runs in a single edition of the tournament’s history.

  • Highest ICC Test Rating Points by an Indian – With a peak of 937 rating points, Kohli holds the record for the best-ever ICC Test ranking achieved by an Indian batter, highlighting his dominance in red-ball cricket.

  • Most Centuries in a Single Overseas Test Series – During the 2014 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, Kohli struck four centuries, a record later equalled by Shubman Gill during the 2025 Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy.

  • Most Consecutive Test Series Wins as Captain – Under Kohli’s leadership, India won nine Test series in a row, matching Ricky Ponting’s long-standing record and establishing India as a dominant force across conditions.

  • Fastest to 10,000 ODI Runs – Kohli reached the 10,000-run milestone in just 205 innings, the fastest in cricket history, outpacing every batting great before him.

  • Fastest to 27,000 International Runs – By achieving 27,000 runs in only 594 innings, Kohli reaffirmed his incredible consistency and endurance across all three formats of the game.

  • Most Successful Indian Test Captain Overseas – Kohli guided India to historic series victories in Australia, the West Indies, and Sri Lanka, redefining what Indian cricket could achieve beyond home soil.

Career by the Numbers

  • 553 matches, 620 innings, and 90 not-outs across formats.

  • A monumental 27,673 runs at an average of 52.21, with a highest score of 254 not out.

  • 34,949 deliveries faced, accompanied by 2,728 fours and 306 sixes.

  • A stunning record of 82 centuries, 144 half-centuries, 16 scores of 150+, and 7 double tons—each one an ode to his relentless pursuit of excellence.

  • Beyond batting, Kohli has contributed with 9 wickets, 339 catches, and 137 victories as captain—a reflection of his multifaceted impact.

  • His dominance is further showcased through 69 Man of the Match and 21 Man of the Series awards.

  • When it comes to partnerships, his record is equally staggering: 399 fifty-run stands, 137 century partnerships, 23 double-century stands, and even one triple-century stand—proof that Kohli hasn’t just built innings, he’s built enduring alliances at the crease.

  • On the global stage, he has earned 15 ICC Man of the Match awards and 3 ICC Player of the Tournament honours, sealing his reputation as one of the modern era’s greatest performers.

Major Achievements

  • 2008 – U-19 World Cup Champion

  • 2010 – Asia Cup Winner

  • 2011 – ICC Cricket World Cup Champion

  • 2013 – ICC Champions Trophy Winner

  • 2016 – Asia Cup Winner

  • 2023 – Asia Cup Winner

  • 2024 – ICC T20 World Cup Champion

  • 2025 – ICC Champions Trophy Winner

Honours and Recognitions

  • National Awards: Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award.

  • Ranking Milestones:

    • 1,493 days as the world’s No. 1 ODI batsman

    • 1,012 days as No. 1 in T20Is

    • 469 days as No. 1 in Tests

  • ICC Rating Peaks:

    • 937 points in Tests (highest ever by an Indian)

    • 909 points in ODIs

    • 909 points in T20Is

  • Global ICC Honours:

    • ICC Cricketer of the Decade (2011–2020)

    • ICC ODI Cricketer of the Decade (2011–2020)

    • ICC Spirit of Cricket Award (2019)

    • ICC Cricketer of the Year (2017, 2018)

    • ICC ODI Player of the Year (2012, 2017, 2018, 2023)

    • ICC Test Player of the Year (2018)

    • Captain of the ICC Test Team of the Decade (2011–2020)

    • Captain of ICC Test Team (2017, 2018, 2019)

    • Captain of ICC ODI Team (2016–2019)

    • ICC Cricketer of the Month (October 2022)

    • Member of ICC Test, ODI, and T20I Teams of the Decade

  • Wisden Honours:

    • Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World for 2016, 2017, and 2018

The Legacy: Beyond Runs and Records

What makes Kohli timeless isn’t just the mountain of numbers—it’s the mindset he leaves behind.

He redefined Indian cricket’s attitude: fitness over flair, process over panic, and belief over fear. Every young cricketer stepping into the Indian dressing room today carries a part of Kohli’s philosophy within them.

“Virat’s intensity is unmatched. He’s raised the bar for an entire generation,” said Sachin Tendulkar.

“He’s one of the greatest to have ever played the game,” echoed Ricky Ponting.

The truth is, Kohli’s greatness can’t be captured by statistics alone. It lives in moments—the roar after a cover drive, the pumped fist after a chase, the tears after a loss. It’s in his ability to make a billion hearts beat with hope.

The King’s Reign Continues

As Virat Kohli turns 37, he stands at a rare intersection of glory and grace. His bat has scripted chapters that will echo through generations, and yet, his story feels incomplete—because legends like him never truly finish; they simply evolve.

He taught India to chase—not just targets, but legacies.

He turned passion into performance, and performance into poetry.

And through it all, he reminded the world that cricket is not merely a game—it’s a belief system, one that thrives on discipline, courage, and heart.

Happy 37th, King Kohli— The architect of belief, the embodiment of grit, and the heartbeat of a billion dreams.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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